Who to call depends on which state you filed in
Your state tax agency is the only place that can tell you where your refund is. Each state runs its own tax system and processes refunds on its own timeline, so you need to contact the agency in the state where you filed — not the IRS, and not a tax preparation company.
The fastest way is usually your state's tax department website, where you can check your refund status without waiting on hold. If you need to speak to someone, the phone number is on that same website. Some states also offer text message updates or email notifications if you set them up when you filed.
If you filed in multiple states, you will need to check each one separately. If you are unsure which state to contact, look at the tax return you filed — it shows which state's forms you completed.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's tax department directly — the IRS does not process state refunds and cannot tell you their status.
- Most states offer online refund tracking on their tax agency website, which is faster than calling.
- You will need your Social Security number or tax ID, filing status, and the refund amount to check your status.
- Refund timing varies by state and can take anywhere from two weeks to several months depending on whether your return was flagged for review.
- If your state's website shows an error or your refund is significantly delayed, call the phone number listed on the state tax agency site.
How to find your state tax agency contact information
Search online for "[your state] tax refund status" or "[your state] department of revenue." This will take you to the official state website. Avoid clicking on ads or third-party sites — go directly to the .gov domain for your state.
Once you are on the state tax agency website, look for a link that says "check refund status," "where is my refund," or "refund tracking." Some states call it "refund inquiry" or "refund information." The page will ask you to enter your Social Security number or tax ID, your filing status (single, married, head of household), and the exact refund amount from your return.
If you cannot find the refund tracking tool, look for the phone number on the same website. State tax agencies typically list their customer service hours and phone lines on the homepage or in a "contact us" section.
What information you need before you call or check online
Have your tax return in front of you. You will need:
- Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your filing status from the return (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or may have access to widow/widower)
- The exact refund amount shown on your return
- Your mailing address as it appears on the return
If you filed electronically, you may also have a confirmation number from your tax software or tax preparer. Some states ask for this instead of the refund amount. If you filed on paper, the refund amount is the most important piece of information to have ready.
What the refund status will tell you
When you check your status, you will see one of a few possible messages. "Accepted" or "Received" means the state has your return but has not processed it yet. "Processing" means your return is being reviewed. "Approved" or "Processed" means the return is complete and your refund has been issued.
If the status says "Approved" or "Processed," the website should also show the date the refund was sent and the method — direct deposit to your bank account or a check mailed to your address. If you chose direct deposit, the refund usually arrives within one to three business days after it is issued. If you chose a check, it typically arrives within seven to ten business days, though this varies by state and mail speed.
If the status shows "Under Review" or "Pending," your return has been flagged for additional verification. This can happen for many reasons — a mismatch in income information, missing documents, or routine random audits. The website may tell you what is needed or may direct you to call.
When to call instead of checking online
If the online tool shows your refund was issued more than two weeks ago (for direct deposit) or three weeks ago (for a check) and you have not received it, call the state tax agency. Have your return and the refund status information in front of you when you call.
Also call if the online status says "Under Review" and you want to know what documents or information the state needs from you. The phone representative can often tell you what triggered the review and what you can do to move it forward.
If you moved since you filed and the check was mailed to an old address, the state may be able to issue a replacement check or redirect the refund. Call to report the address change and ask what options are available.
What to expect when you call
State tax agency phone lines are busiest during tax season (January through April) and around major holidays. You may wait on hold for 30 minutes to several hours during peak times. Calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon sometimes means shorter waits.
When a representative answers, have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. They will verify your identity and pull up your return. They can tell you the current status, when the refund was issued, and whether there are any holds or issues preventing payment.
If the representative cannot resolve the issue on the call, they may open a case and give you a reference number. Write this down — you can use it to follow up on your refund later.
If your state's website is down or you cannot reach them
State tax agencies sometimes take their websites offline for maintenance, usually on weekends or late at night. If the site is down, try again a few hours later.
If you cannot reach the phone line after multiple attempts, check the state tax agency website for alternative contact methods. Some states offer email support, live chat during business hours, or a mailing address where you can send a written inquiry. These options are slower but can work if phone lines are overwhelmed.
You can also contact your state representative's office — they often have staff who help constituents with tax agency issues and can sometimes get faster answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take to get a state refund?
Most states issue refunds within two to four weeks of accepting your return, but this varies widely. Some states process refunds in as little as one week; others take six weeks or longer. Direct deposits arrive faster than checks. If your return is flagged for review, it can take several months.
Can I check my refund status if I filed through a tax preparation company?
Yes. You still check with your state tax agency directly, not with the tax preparation company. The company filed your return with the state, but the state controls the refund. Use the same process — go to your state's tax agency website or call their phone number.
What if I filed in one state but now live in another?
Contact the state where you filed your return, not your current state. Your refund is being processed by the state that received your return. You may need to provide your current mailing address if the refund was supposed to go to an old address.
Is there a number I can call if I cannot find my state's tax agency?
The IRS does not handle state refunds, but you can search online for "[your state] department of revenue" or "[your state] tax commission." These are the official names of most state tax agencies. You can also call your state's general information line and ask for the tax agency phone number.
What should I do if the online status says my refund was issued but I never received it?
Call your state tax agency with the issued date and method (direct deposit or check). If it was direct deposit, verify the bank account number you provided is correct. If it was a check, the state can issue a replacement or investigate whether it was lost in the mail. This usually takes one to two weeks to resolve.